Stuck in a Rut
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
Insight
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a rut, going through the motions of life without really feeling alive? Maybe you've settled into a comfortable routine, but deep down, you sense there's something more. This is where many of us find ourselves – in our comfort zones, protected from risk but also shielded from growth and wonder.
The truth is our comfort zones can be sneaky barriers to encountering God. When we prioritize maintaining the status quo, we naturally lean towards walking by sight rather than faith. We rely on what we can see, control, and predict, rather than stepping out into the unknown where God often waits to meet us.
Think about the heroes of faith in the Bible. Noah built an ark on dry land. Abraham left his homeland for an unknown destination. Moses confronted Pharaoh with nothing but a staff and God's promise. None of these actions made sense from a human perspective, but they were exactly what allowed these individuals to experience God in profound ways.
In our everyday lives, we might not be called to such dramatic acts of faith. However, the principle remains the same. When we cling too tightly to controlling every aspect of our lives, we risk missing God in the ordinary moments. It's in releasing our grip on control that we open our hands to receive what God wants to give us.
Having a posture of faith means being willing to step out of our comfort zones, even in small ways. It might mean striking up a conversation with a coworker you've never talked to before, volunteering for a project that stretches your abilities, or simply pausing in the middle of your busy day to notice the beauty around you and thank God for it.
When we adopt this posture of faith, we start to see our everyday environments – including our workplaces – as potential encounters with God. The ordinary becomes extraordinary. A mundane task might become an opportunity for patience and perseverance. A challenging colleague could be the catalyst for developing compassion and understanding. Even our failures and setbacks can become stepping stones to growth and deeper reliance on God.
Embracing a posture of faith doesn't mean we'll always feel comfortable or certain. In fact, it often means the opposite. But it's in these moments of stepping out, of choosing faith over sight, that we position ourselves to experience God in new and transformative ways.
So today, let's challenge ourselves to loosen our grip on control. Let's be willing to step beyond what's comfortable and predictable. In doing so, we open ourselves to encounter God in the everyday moments of our lives, allowing our souls to truly thrive.
Reflection
What area of your life are you most tempted to control tightly? How might loosening that control create space for a divine encounter?
What small step of faith could you take today to cultivate a posture of openness to God's presence in your everyday life?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give us the courage to step beyond our comfort zones and into the adventures You have for us. Help us to release our grip on control and to walk by faith, not by sight. Open our eyes to see You in the ordinary moments of our days, transforming our work and daily lives into opportunities to encounter Your presence. Amen.